This December, Hayden Homes, Simplicity by Hayden Homes, and First Story launched a big charity campaign in the Northwest to help combat food insecurity. They donated $66,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana. Plus, their team collected over 2,500 pounds of non-perishable food and volunteered more than 60 hours at local food banks.
Food insecurity means people don’t have steady access to enough food for a healthy life. According to Feeding America, in 2023, about 14.2% of Oregonians—around 600,000 people—faced food insecurity.
Brett Swanson, regional director at Hayden Homes, emphasized the need for community support: “Even though SNAP benefits have been restored, our region still struggles with food access. We believe in our Give As You Go™ philosophy, encouraging people to contribute in any way they can.” This could be donating food, money, or time to local kitchens.
The companies focus on three main areas: Food Security, Housing Solutions, and Youth and Education. Since 1998, First Story, a nonprofit created by Hayden Homes, has helped families gain affordable housing. Each year, they grant substantial funds to organizations that strengthen local communities.
In Central Oregon, they supported NeighborImpact and Thrive Central Oregon with $4,250 each to help families not just during the holidays but year-round. At the St. Vincent De Paul food bank in Bend, the team brought in about 450 pounds of food donations.
Scott Cooper, executive director of NeighborImpact, highlighted the importance of local investments: “Our food network serves over 80,000 people every month. When companies like Hayden Homes and Simplicity support nonprofits, it enables better access to fresh and local food across our region.”
Food insecurity is not just a local issue; it’s a national concern. Recent statistics show that across the United States, 34 million people face hunger, including 9 million children. Addressing these challenges requires both community effort and awareness.
By supporting initiatives like this, businesses and individuals can play a key role in ensuring good food access for everyone. It’s a chance for us all to come together, uplift each other, and build a stronger community.
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